Vital funding secured for local community hubs to deliver blood tests for patients
The South Eastern Trust’s Community Phlebotomy Hubs in Ards Hospital, Downe Hospital and Lagan Valley Hospital provide a vital blood testing service in the heart of the community.
In 2025, the Team carried out an incredible 28,000 tests.
The Trust is delighted that this valuable and growing service is now fully funded by the Department of Health.
The hubs play a crucial role in providing blood tests in local hospitals, meaning patients do not have to travel to the Ulster Hospital.
When the service began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Team initially helped approximately 400 patients per year. However, during 2024/25 alone, the service delivered an impressive 28,000 blood tests. On average, 2,000 patients go through the hubs each month.
Patients attend the Community Phlebotomy Hubs for blood tests ahead of planned procedures or treatment. This includes patients from the Diabetes Service, those undergoing cancer treatment, patients receiving biologic therapies and anyone preparing for surgery.
Pre-assessment Nurses, particularly when carrying out pre-assessments, can refer patients directly to the Community Phlebotomy Hubs to ensure all required blood work is completed in advance and patients are clinically cleared for their procedures or surgery.
Patient Concepta Meredith highlighted the benefits of having the service close to home, saying: “I find attending the hub very beneficial. It is very easy to pop down and get my bloods done. The staff are very efficient and I never have to wait very long, I am in and out quickly.
“The hub is very efficient and all the staff are so friendly, it is a great place.”
South Eastern Trust, Phlebotomy Manager, Erin Ward commented: “The hubs are vital across the Trust for both our patients and our acute services, delivering an essential blood service.
“There are significant benefits for patients in being able to have their bloods taken closer to home rather than travelling to an acute hospital site.”
Highlighting the significance of the service receiving recurrent funding, South Eastern Trust, Director of Surgery, Paediatrics and Elective Care, Maggie Parks, stated: “Our Community Phlebotomy Hubs make a real difference by providing essential blood testing closer to home for thousands of patients.
“We are delighted to have recurrent funding in place, which allows us to sustain and grow a service that is clearly valued by our communities.”